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Bodegas Los Frailes is a family-run Single Estate in DO Valencia,
situated in the south-west of the province of Valencia, 80
kms inland from the Mediterranean at 600-700m above sea level,
in the valley known as ‘Els Alforins’. The region
is distinguished by its organic wine-growing heritage. The
building ‘Casa Los Frailes’ (The Friars' House)
formerly belonged to the Jesuit friars until the confiscation
of all Church property in Spain in 1767. The Velázquez
family bought it at auction in 1771. In 1999 the
current generation, with Miguel Velázquez at the head,
undertook an ambitious project. They reorganised the vineyards
giving priority to the indigenous Monastrell, returned to
methods inherited from traditional agriculture and implemented
organic viticulture methods. In addition the old cellar was
fully modernised and new cellars constructed to create a modern
facility with all the latest technology; fully automated stainless
steel tanks, advanced cooling control systems, a hydraulic
press, 600 new oak barrels (primarily Hungarian and American)
and a brand new bottling plant.
Bodegas
Los Frailes are totally dedicated to the cultivation of organically
grown vines on their Estate of over 130 hectares, 60% indigenous Monastrell,
20% Cabernet
Sauvignon and 20% Tempranillo,
Garnacha,
Shiraz and Marselan.
The average age of the vines is more than 26 years old, with
Monastrell vines aged over 40 years. The land, stone, sand
and limestone, has a permeable base and good moisture retention.
The unique climate of ‘Els Alforins’ and the low
yields, 3000 kilos per hectare, are the two prerequisites
for producing high quality organic wines. The low yields improve
not only the quality but also the sustainability of the vineyards
which make them naturally more resistant to disease. The Monastrell
adapts to very poor soil and the result is excellent quality
grapes even in the worst climatic conditions of long dry periods.
Strict organic viticultural practices are maintained. Instead
of chemical fertilizers, the vineyards are treated with organic
composts. This organic material produced from composted cellar
residues and shredded wine shoots maintains the soil balance.
Instead of copper sulphate, the winery uses copper oxide which
has a lower copper content and is more active at lower doses.
The use of sulphur is permitted for treatment against oidium.
Generally either sulphur dust or liquid sulphur is employed.
In terms of organic production only half the amount of sulphur
dioxide permitted in conventional cellars is actually used.
In addition, all the yeasts used are indigenous to the ‘Els
Alforins’ valley. Resveratrol, the grape compound unique
in its ability to fight diseases is found in high degrees
in these organic wines and especially in the Monastrell grape.
We are the UK agents for Bodegas Los Frailes.
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Click on the underlined grape varieties
for more information.
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